Forgiveness is probably the best practice for us to cultivate in our lives. Anger is a negative, dark emotion. It clouds our hearts and our lives. Forgiving another person allows positive energy and love to replace the darkness. Is anger holding back from leading a full life? What do you think you can do about it?
Sometimes just the awareness of anger towards someone is the beginning of forgiveness. It is not easy or quick to forgive. Just sitting and acknowledging that you are angry at someone is progress. The Dalai Lama’s says about forgiveness, “I forgive but, I do not forget”. Forgiveness does not mean what was done to you was alright. Forgiveness frees your soul to allow more light to enter.
The New York Times published an article on April 5, 2014 titled, “Portraits of Reconciliation” with photos by Pieter Hugo and text by Susan Dominus. It was an extremely moving article on the power of forgiveness. They went to Rwanda; 20 years after nearly a million people were killed during the country’s genocide. There is a national effort in Rwanda toward reconciliation. Groups are counseled over months with the objective that the perpetrator formally requests forgiveness from their victims. The text and photos are remarkable. One common theme among the survivors was that they felt more peaceful after they forgave the perpetrators. They felt peace in their hearts.
There is a lot of power in Forgiveness. Is there someone you are ready and would like to forgive? Follow these tips.
1. Be gentle and loving with yourself. Think of the image of a deer, gentle and loving.
2. Be patient. It will take time.
3. Take small steps. Start with something or someone that may be easier to forgive. Gradually move on to larger, more difficult situations.
Did you give it a try?